Find a Class
There's something for everyone.
When it comes to learning, EGA is all about options. EGA members can choose from array of courses for a variety of disciplines and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to learn with a group, take an individual correspondence course, or learn online, we’ve got you covered. Not a member yet? Join here.
Recently added: Online Studio Class: Ode to the Honeybee with Celeste Chalasani | Online Studio Class: Laid and Couched Work Dragon with Tanya Bentham | Online Studio Class: Hummingbird in Silk and Gold with Lizzy Pye | Online Studio Class: Whitework Windows with Terri Bay | GCC: Boca Blossoms with Carol Currier | GCC: Finding Time with Catherine Jordan | GCC: Baby Steps with Gwen Nelson | GCC: Trio with Carol Currier | GCC: Pulled Stitches Clover with Marion Scoular | This Quarter’s GCC Lightning Rounds | Virtual Lecture Series
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GCCs offer low cost, high quality learning experiences for groups of up to 20 participants.
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Group Correspondence Courses
Group Correspondence Courses offer low cost, high quality learning experiences in a variety of techniques for groups of up to 20 participants plus their group coordinator. Gather a group of friends and register for a Group Correspondence Course today! More information about the process, including registration forms can be found on the link below.
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ICCs offer EGA members intense, personalized study under the supervision of certified teachers.
Individual Correspondence Courses
Individual Correspondence Courses offer EGA members intense, personalized study under the supervision of teachers selected for their outstanding needlework skills and knowledge. The courses are in-depth study programs dealing with a wide range of embroidery techniques and disciplines at various skill levels.
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Online studio classes are a convenient way to take your embroidery to the next level.
Online Studio
Online Studio classes are a convenient way for students to take their embroidery to the next level. Studio classes take place on EGA’s website and in an environment where the student can read, review and download lessons, discuss with other students, and ask questions directly to the teacher on the discussion group for each class.
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We open up 3 or 4 GCC courses for individuals to take periodically.
Lightning Rounds
Our GCC Lightning Rounds are three or four of our Group Correspondence Courses that have been hand-picked by our Education Department and made available for individual EGA members to register without a group for a limited time. Lightning Rounds are a great opportunity for Members-At-Large and small EGA chapters that have difficulty filling a larger group in order to take a Group Correspondence Course.
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Learn from the comfort of your own home.
Virtual Education Courses
Virtual Education Courses are EGA’s latest interactive offerings. By staying in the comfort of your own home, you won’t have to deal with airline issues, nor pay for a hotel. And even though you’re not in a classroom together, you will still enjoy the companionship of stitching with other like-minded members.
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Lectures about culturally diverse embroidery techniques and textile traditions.
Virtual Lecture Series
As part of our Virtual Lecture Series, on the second Saturday of every month, we host a guest lecturer to discuss textile traditions and culturally diverse embroidery techniques.
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Click here to see our Certification Programs
EGA Certifications
EGA Certifications: Whether you’re looking to become a teacher, a judge, or an appraiser, EGA can make sure you have the tools and skills to pass our rigorous certification process.
Master Craftsman Programs: Our Master Craftsman programs are designed to promote excellence in embroidery by providing the accomplished needleworker the opportunity to demonstrate skills and become certified as a “master” in her or his area of expertise.
Technical Excellence Certification Programs: EGA’s Technical Excellence Programs are designed to recognize excellence in the execution of hand embroidery. These programs give the experienced needleworker the opportunity to demonstrate excellence in their area of expertise. Our first available program is the Technical Excellence Program in Counted Thread.
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Click here to see learn more
EGA Skill Level Definitions & Guide to EGA Courses
EGA Skill Level Definitions
Basic: No experience with the technique being taught is necessary.
Intermediate: Knowledge of basic stitches, materials, and their use in the technique being taught is required.
Advanced: Ability to execute simple and difficult stitches in the technique is required. The student should also have knowledge of color and design that will allow exploration and creativity.
All levels: Class is suitable for all levels.
The Complete Guide to EGA Courses
Click here to read a blogpost describing the differences among our courses.
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A Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery with Barbara M. Kershaw
Taught by Barbara M. Kershaw (view bio)Barbara M. Kershaw has a passion for learning and sharing her knowledge of the many varied and wonderful forms of embroidery generally called whitework. She has taken many courses and classes from the EAC, EGA, and ANG. Barbara is certified as an EGA Master Craftsman in counted thread. She also studied in Germany at the Museum de Schwalm in 2005 and 2011. She has been teaching for over 20 years at various EAC national seminars, EGA national and regional seminars, guilds in Canada, America and Bermuda as well as two International teaching tours of the USA. Barbara is the author of EGA Group Correspondence Courses – Noel and Individual Correspondence Course Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery. Her book Exquisite Schwalm focuses on Schwalm filling stitches.
ICC, Surface Embroidery
A Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery introduces the student to the beautiful style of whitework from Germany known as Schwalm Embroidery.
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A Touch of Fall with Jane Ellen Balzuweit – Encore
Taught by Jane Ellen Balzuweit (view bio)Jane Ellen Balzuweit holds teacher certifications in pulled thread and counted thread with the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. She has taught at various EGA national and regional seminars, Embroidery Association of Canada (EAC) seminars and for The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA). She authored correspondence courses for EGA and American Needlepoint Guild (ANG) and designed a petite project for EGA. Jane Ellen has taught cyber classes for ANG and the Shining Needle Society, designed for Rainbow Gallery and owned and operated a needlework store for 35 years.
Group Correspondence Course: A Touch of Fall with Jane Ellen Balzuweit
GCC, Counted Thread, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
A Touch of Fall is created using a 17th century white work technique, Dresden Lace, a combination of pulled thread and surface embroidery.
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Ancestree with Carolyn Standing Webb – Encore
Taught by Carolyn Standing Webb (view bio)Carolyn Standing Webb has a degree in education but finds needlework much more rewarding to teach. She grew up in a home where art was a part of everyday life and creativity was encouraged. An EGA member of our Wasatch, Salt Lake City Chapter, she has been a needlework designer and teacher for over twenty years, teaching on the local, regional and national levels. She has a line of patterns available in retail stores. Several pieces of her work have been published in books and magazines and she has won a number of prizes for her needlework. She has her Master Craftsman in Counted Thread. Her goal is to share with her students her love of needlework and to help them relax and enjoy it.
GCC, Counted Thread, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
On Ancestree you will work on a tree of life design that will feature five generations of your family.
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Avondale with Carol Currier
Taught by Carol Peao Currier (view bio)Carol Currier is certified by the National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) as a surface embroidery teacher. She served on the national board of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) for eight years including as national President from 2007-2009. Carol is currently the EGA Chair of the Master Craftsman program in crewel embroidery. She was honored in the September 2018 Needle Arts as Designer Across America. Carol holds memberships in EGA, NAN, American Needlepoint Guild (ANG), and National Association of Needlework Teachers (NETA). She is a partner in a needlework shop in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Avondale is an exploration of a summer garden using basic crewel embroidery stitches in interesting combinations.
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Baby Steps with Gwen Nelson
Taught by Gwen Nelson (view bio)Gwen T. Nelson joined The Embroiderers’ Guild of America in 1997. She is a member of the Louisville Chapter and a member of National Embroidery Teachers’ Association. She has served as the Tennessee Valley Region Director for four years, has chaired two region seminars and has served as the EGA national president. Gwen has been designing and teaching beaded pieces since 2000. She has taught both at the EGA chapter and region levels and at other venues outside of EGA. Gwen designed the pieces that were beaded by the thirteen region directors for the live auctions at the 2009, 2010, and 2011 EGA national seminars and the pieces that were donated by the EGA executive committee for the auction at the 2013 and 2014 national seminars. She also designed the 2013 national seminar logo beaded pin.
Gwen Nelson has been a teacher, Personnel Director for Jefferson County (KY) Government and a high school principal. Gwen has her doctorate In Administration and Finance from the University of Louisville.
GCC, Beading, Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
There are five beading techniques that must be demonstrated to receive certificates in the Master Craftsman Program in Beading. The five techniques are Square Stitch, Herringbone Stitch, Even Count Peyote Stitch, Bead Embroidery, and Right-Angle Weave. Baby Steps includes very simplified lessons in the five techniques.
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Bargello and Design with Gail Stafford
Taught by Gail Stafford (view bio)Gail Stafford holds EGA Master Craftsman certifications in Canvas Embroidery, Color for Needlework and Design for Needlework. She is the author of Undulations II, an EGA correspondence course. She has been on the faculty of ANG and EGA seminars and has presented numerous programs for ANG and EGA chapters. Her current needlework focus is on translating scenic images into canvas embroidery designs, but she also enjoys Bargello. Her work has won many prestigious awards and has been published in Needle Pointers, Needle Arts, and Needlepoint Now.
GCC, Canvas, Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Bargello and Design is a course designed for intermediate and advanced stitchers who want to create their own square Bargello samplers. The class focus is to design a sampler, and Bargello is the type of canvas embroidery used in the design.
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Beginning Teneriffe Lace with Jonalene Gutwein
Taught by Jonalene Gutwein (view bio)Jonalene is EGA certified in Counted Thread. She is a member of our Indian River Chapter in Florida and has been teaching various forms of needlework since 1982 at EGA chapters, and events at the regional and national level. She has over sixty needlework publications under the name of Friends in Needlework and three retired EGA Group Correspondence Courses.
GCC, Lace, Skill Level: Beginner
Beginning Teneriffe Lace will give you the basics of the beautiful needlelace technique of Teneriffe.
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Boca Blossoms with Carol Currier
Taught by Carol Peao Currier (view bio)Carol Currier is certified by the National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) as a surface embroidery teacher. She served on the national board of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) for eight years including as national President from 2007-2009. Carol is currently the EGA Chair of the Master Craftsman program in crewel embroidery. She was honored in the September 2018 Needle Arts as Designer Across America. Carol holds memberships in EGA, NAN, American Needlepoint Guild (ANG), and National Association of Needlework Teachers (NETA). She is a partner in a needlework shop in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
GCC, Crewel, Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Boca Blossoms is a beginner to intermediate crewel embroidery course with a focus on soft shading using one color family but varying the color order. The stitches include Chain Stitch, Fly Stitch, French Knots, Long & Shorting Shading, Outline/Stem Stitch, Split Stitch and Straight Stitch.
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Cosmos with Kim Sanders – Encore
Taught by Kim Sanders (view bio)Kim Sanders is an EGA certified teacher in crewel and surface embroidery and a Master Craftsman in surface embroidery and in smocking. She holds a degree in Textiles and Clothing from the University of Tennessee. Kim has taught at shops, chapters, EGA national and regional seminars and has authored four GCC, an ICC, and several Petite Projects. Her articles and designs have appeared in Inspirations, Needle Arts, Australian Smocking and Embroidery and The Smocking Arts. She filmed four embroidery focused segments of the PBS program, Creative Living with Sheryl Borden.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate
Cosmos introduces students to needle painting, one of the most realistic forms of surface embroidery.
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Crazy Quilting with J. Marsha Michler
Taught by J. Marsha Michler (view bio)J. Marsha Michler is a nonfiction author of 13 printed books, and 8 self-published eBooks on the topics of crazy quilting, embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, wire jewelry, and knitting. Her quilts have won awards at quilting shows, and her work has been featured in national magazines and other publications including our Needle Arts magazine. Holding a degree in Business Marketing, and three-quarters of a degree in fine arts, summa cum laude and dean’s list, she has taught classes on crazy quilting, embroidery, and wire jewelry. She actively pursues crazy quilting, embroidery, fiber spinning, knitting, fiction and poetry writing, ballroom dancing, stone wall building, and resides with her husband and dog in the beautiful and inspiring foothills of Southern Maine.
ICC, Quilting
Learn new skills in Victorian Crazy Quilting in this comprehensive Individual Correspondence Course that will bring you to a mastery level of this much-loved art and craft.
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Daydreams with Barbara Kershaw – Encore
Taught by Barbara M. Kershaw (view bio)Barbara M. Kershaw has a passion for learning and sharing her knowledge of the many varied and wonderful forms of embroidery generally called whitework. She has taken many courses and classes from the EAC, EGA, and ANG. Barbara is certified as an EGA Master Craftsman in counted thread. She also studied in Germany at the Museum de Schwalm in 2005 and 2011. She has been teaching for over 20 years at various EAC national seminars, EGA national and regional seminars, guilds in Canada, America and Bermuda as well as two International teaching tours of the USA. Barbara is the author of EGA Group Correspondence Courses – Noel and Individual Correspondence Course Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery. Her book Exquisite Schwalm focuses on Schwalm filling stitches.
GCC, Schwalm, Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Join Barbara Kershaw in Daydreams, a Group Correspondence Course focused on Schwalm embroidery, a beautiful form of German whitework embroidery traditionally worked on an off white evenweave linen with white thread.
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Design for Needlework with India Hayford
Taught by India Hayford (view bio)India specializes in contemporary and ethnic surface embroidery techniques including Yemenite Jewish and Yemenite Israeli embroidery, clothing embellishment, and fabric collage. She also teaches courses on embroidery design, Middle Eastern costume construction and embellishment, and nontraditional needlepoint and blackwork. Her articles on these subjects have appeared in Threads and Needle Arts magazines. An EGA Certified Teacher, India is the recipient of two EGA Legacy Scholarships and one Research Fellowship Grant. In 2017, she presented a lecture on “Embroidery, Clothing, and Feminine Identity in Jewish Yemen” at the Casper College Humanities Festival and Demorest Lecture.
ICC, Design
Our Individual Correspondence Course Design for Needlework with India Hayford is for the technically adept embroiderer who wishes to create unique embroideries.
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Embroidery with Mixed Media with Laura Smith
Taught by Laura Smith (view bio)Laura Smith is an embroidery innovator, nationally known designer, and teacher. She holds the Master Craftsman in Color from the Embroiderers Guild of America (EGA) and has won their National Gold Thread Award for service in 2021. She has served as chair for the Master Craftsman in Color Program from 2006 – 2018, Chairman of Fiber Forum (2011 – 2015), seven terms as president of her chapter, and has held every chapter office. She is a former Executive Director of an arts center and holds an MBA as well as an undergraduate degree in chemistry — valuable for understanding paint and mixed media materials.
GCC, Mixed Media and 3D, Skill Level: All Levels
Study the amazing possibilities of four cool “new” mixed media materials on Embroidery with Mixed Media. Available to individual members as a GCC Lightning Round through February 28, 2025. Register here!
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English Summer with Cheryl Sharp
Taught by Cheryl Sharp (view bio)Cheryl Sharp has been a member of the Washington DC Chapter of EGA since 1981. She took a wide variety of classes in her chapter, region and at National Seminars before focusing on surface embroidery. She particularly enjoys crewel embroidery and stumpwork, and she adds beads and metal threads to spice things up! She was chair of EGA’s 17th National Exhibit and has been a contributing editor of Needle Arts since 2008, writing the Design Across America series as well as project articles. In 2007, she co-authored A Sampler of Crewel Stitches after examining an embroidery from EGA’s collection.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, Skill Level: Beginner
On English Summer you will learn how to prepare the fabric, transfer designs, and set up an embroidery on stretcher bars among other things.
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Exploring Jacobean Crewel Embroidery with Carol Peao Currier
Taught by Carol Peao Currier (view bio)Carol Currier is certified by the National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) as a surface embroidery teacher. She served on the national board of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) for eight years including as national President from 2007-2009. Carol is currently the EGA Chair of the Master Craftsman program in crewel embroidery. She was honored in the September 2018 Needle Arts as Designer Across America. Carol holds memberships in EGA, NAN, American Needlepoint Guild (ANG), and National Association of Needlework Teachers (NETA). She is a partner in a needlework shop in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
ICC
Jacobean Embroidery is a form of English crewel embroidery on linen from the early 17th century. The student will research the history of the period including the origin of typical design motifs and colors used in household furnishings. The student will then translate their research into a stitched design of their own choosing. The student also has the option to stitch the provided design.
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Fall Colors, A Study in Rozashi with Margaret Kinsey – Encore
Taught by Margaret Kinsey (view bio)Margaret Kinsey is an EGA certified teacher in silk and metal thread embroidery. She is certified to teach Japanese traditional embroidery. She is the designated US teacher for the Kunimitsu Rozashi Studio and studies with Fumiko Ozaki. Margaret is the 2010 recipient of the national EGA Gold Thread Award and teaches at all levels of EGA. She teaches at national seminars and chapters of ANG and EAC. She was the 2012 keynote speaker and taught at the New Zealand Embroidery Guild Conference in Christchurch, NZ, and toured, taught, and lectured additional venues in New Zealand. Margaret chaired the 5th, 6th and 7th EGA International Embroidery Conferences. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from NAN, 2021.
GCC, Counted Thread, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Beginner
Fall Colors is a study in traditional Rozashi embroidery. The leaves, the water, the water lines, the sky, background are a study in the stitches that are traditional to Rozashi.
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Fandango with Barbara Kershaw – Encore
Taught by Barbara M. Kershaw (view bio)Barbara M. Kershaw has a passion for learning and sharing her knowledge of the many varied and wonderful forms of embroidery generally called whitework. She has taken many courses and classes from the EAC, EGA, and ANG. Barbara is certified as an EGA Master Craftsman in counted thread. She also studied in Germany at the Museum de Schwalm in 2005 and 2011. She has been teaching for over 20 years at various EAC national seminars, EGA national and regional seminars, guilds in Canada, America and Bermuda as well as two International teaching tours of the USA. Barbara is the author of EGA Group Correspondence Courses – Noel and Individual Correspondence Course Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery. Her book Exquisite Schwalm focuses on Schwalm filling stitches.
GCC, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Fandango is focused on Punto Antico, one of many beautiful styles of Italian whitework embroidery.
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Finding Time with Catherine Jordan
Taught by Catherine Jordan (view bio)Catherine Jordan holds Master Craftsman certifications in the counted thread, crewel, color, and design programs of EGA. She is currently chair of the Master Craftsman design program and Master Craftsman Coordinator. Catherine is a certified Zentangle® teacher and former juried member of EGA’s artists’ group, Fiber Forum. Catherine teaches at local needlework chapters and regional, national, and international seminars.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, Counted Thread, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate
Zentangle® is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. This class will explore the possibilities of interpreting a Zentangle® drawing into an interesting needlework design finished as a booklet cover. Available to individual members as a GCC Lightning Round through February 28, 2025. Register here!
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Guanin: Gourd Flower with Margaret Kinsey
Taught by Margaret Kinsey (view bio)Margaret Kinsey is an EGA certified teacher in silk and metal thread embroidery. She is certified to teach Japanese traditional embroidery. She is the designated US teacher for the Kunimitsu Rozashi Studio and studies with Fumiko Ozaki. Margaret is the 2010 recipient of the national EGA Gold Thread Award and teaches at all levels of EGA. She teaches at national seminars and chapters of ANG and EAC. She was the 2012 keynote speaker and taught at the New Zealand Embroidery Guild Conference in Christchurch, NZ, and toured, taught, and lectured additional venues in New Zealand. Margaret chaired the 5th, 6th and 7th EGA International Embroidery Conferences. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from NAN, 2021.
GCC, Silk and Metal, Skill Level: Beginner
Guanin: Gourd Flower with teacher Margaret Kinsey is a study of Silk and Metal Threads for beginners. In this study, the beginning student will work with gold twist, #5 Japan gold, #7 gold check thread, Copper pearl purl, copper twist, copper check purl, #1 Copper, and silk floss. The ground fabric is silk satin with a cotton backing fabric.
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Hearts for You with Denise Harrington Pratt
Taught by Denise Harrington Pratt (view bio)Denise Harrington Pratt is an artist and needlework designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a passion for counted thread embroidery on linen. Denise has been teaching needlework since 1995. She has taught at Spirit of Cross Stitch Festivals, National and Regional Seminars for the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc., and EGA chapters. She also has developed Group Correspondence Courses and Online Courses for EGA. Denise is an active member of the Southern Maine Chapter of EGA.
GCC, Counted Thread, Skill Level: Intermediate
Our Group Correspondence Course Hearts for You with Denise Harrington Pratt is an opportunity for the student to learn a variety of finishing techniques for use with counted thread work and to create a lovely four-piece set of needlework accoutrements.
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Introduction to Metal Thread Embroidery with Kay Stanis
Taught by Kay Stanis (view bio)Kay Stanis is an internationally known fiber artist, designer, Master Craftsman, and Certified and Graduate Certified Teacher of EGA and Kurenai Kai Traditional Japanese Embroidery. She has been on the faculties of American Needlepoint Guild national seminars, Callaway School of Needlearts, Embroiderers Association of Canada, EGA national and regional seminars, Koala Conventions, South Australia Embroidery Conference, Embroidery 2000 (New Zealand), and many independent groups.
ICC, Silk and Metal
Our Individual Correspondence Course Introduction to Metal Thread Embroidery is an in-depth study of the techniques of metal thread embroidery that will introduce the student to the shimmer of real gold and silver on fabric.
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Jacobean Fantasy with Kay Stanis – Encore
Taught by Kay Stanis (view bio)Kay Stanis is an internationally known fiber artist, designer, Master Craftsman, and Certified and Graduate Certified Teacher of EGA and Kurenai Kai Traditional Japanese Embroidery. She has been on the faculties of American Needlepoint Guild national seminars, Callaway School of Needlearts, Embroiderers Association of Canada, EGA national and regional seminars, Koala Conventions, South Australia Embroidery Conference, Embroidery 2000 (New Zealand), and many independent groups.
GCC, GCC Encore, Silk and Metal, Skill Level: Advanced
Giving new interpretation to designs of the seventeenth century and blending them with the silk and metal of the twenty-first, in Jacobean Fantasy, we will create an exquisite floral design on silk fabric with detached sheer fabric.
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Keeping in Shape with Gwen Nelson
Taught by Gwen Nelson (view bio)Gwen T. Nelson joined The Embroiderers’ Guild of America in 1997. She is a member of the Louisville Chapter and a member of National Embroidery Teachers’ Association. She has served as the Tennessee Valley Region Director for four years, has chaired two region seminars and has served as the EGA national president. Gwen has been designing and teaching beaded pieces since 2000. She has taught both at the EGA chapter and region levels and at other venues outside of EGA. Gwen designed the pieces that were beaded by the thirteen region directors for the live auctions at the 2009, 2010, and 2011 EGA national seminars and the pieces that were donated by the EGA executive committee for the auction at the 2013 and 2014 national seminars. She also designed the 2013 national seminar logo beaded pin.
Gwen Nelson has been a teacher, Personnel Director for Jefferson County (KY) Government and a high school principal. Gwen has her doctorate In Administration and Finance from the University of Louisville.
GCC, Beading, Skill Level: Intermediate
On Keeping in Shape, the student uses various techniques such as circular and flat peyote to make a necklace with 13 three-dimensional beaded pieces.
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Love and Laughter with Denise Harrington Pratt – Encore
Taught by Denise Harrington Pratt (view bio)Denise Harrington Pratt is an artist and needlework designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a passion for counted thread embroidery on linen. Denise has been teaching needlework since 1995. She has taught at Spirit of Cross Stitch Festivals, National and Regional Seminars for the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc., and EGA chapters. She also has developed Group Correspondence Courses and Online Courses for EGA. Denise is an active member of the Southern Maine Chapter of EGA.
GCC, Counted Thread, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate
This lovely counted thread piece was inspired by the abundance of colors and flowers in nature. It was also inspired by the abundance of stitches available to the counted thread embroiderer. And Denise’s motto is, when you don’t have the stitch you need, invent one! This piece offers the student a great opportunity to play with a lot of different stitches that are used in unique ways to create vibrant, stylized flowers.
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Mark and Paint on Canvas and Fabric with Laura Smith
Taught by Laura Smith (view bio)Laura Smith is an embroidery innovator, nationally known designer, and teacher. She holds the Master Craftsman in Color from the Embroiderers Guild of America (EGA) and has won their National Gold Thread Award for service in 2021. She has served as chair for the Master Craftsman in Color Program from 2006 – 2018, Chairman of Fiber Forum (2011 – 2015), seven terms as president of her chapter, and has held every chapter office. She is a former Executive Director of an arts center and holds an MBA as well as an undergraduate degree in chemistry — valuable for understanding paint and mixed media materials.
GCC, Mixed Media and 3D, Skill Level: All Levels
On our Group Correspondence Course Mark and Paint on Canvas and Fabric, you will mark and paint one design onto needlepoint canvas and one onto silk fabric.
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More Than a Rose with Melinda Sherbring
Taught by Melinda Sherbring (view bio)Melinda Sherbring came to embroidery through her fascination with historical crafts. An aerospace software engineer until retiring in 2013, she now teaches needlework with designs rooted in history. She has written two EGA GCCs, taught EGA’s 2020 Extended Study Program, and was featured in the March 2018 Needle Arts magazine as Designer Across America.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, Skill Level: Intermediate
More Than a Rose is a small piece designed to introduce students to some stitches and raised work techniques used on English sweet bags ca. 1600. Available to individual members as a GCC Lightning Round through February 28, 2025. Register here!
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Mythical Myrtle with Barbara Kershaw – Encore
Taught by Barbara M. Kershaw (view bio)Barbara M. Kershaw has a passion for learning and sharing her knowledge of the many varied and wonderful forms of embroidery generally called whitework. She has taken many courses and classes from the EAC, EGA, and ANG. Barbara is certified as an EGA Master Craftsman in counted thread. She also studied in Germany at the Museum de Schwalm in 2005 and 2011. She has been teaching for over 20 years at various EAC national seminars, EGA national and regional seminars, guilds in Canada, America and Bermuda as well as two International teaching tours of the USA. Barbara is the author of EGA Group Correspondence Courses – Noel and Individual Correspondence Course Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery. Her book Exquisite Schwalm focuses on Schwalm filling stitches.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, Counted Thread, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate
Explore the magnificent stitches of Casalguidi embroidery in Mythical Myrtle.
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Online Studio Class 62: Mushroom Advanced Box Making with Emma Broughton
Taught by Emma Broughton (view bio)Emma Broughton is a graduate of both the Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship (2009) and The University of the Creative Arts (2012). Specialising in hand embroidery as well as screen printing and digital fabric design.
She is the Author of ‘Embroidered Boxes’ book published in April 2019.
Under the name Fairy Wren Embroidery, she teaches embroidery and box making classes, and offers a wide range of embroidery kits and undertakes commissions with her unique designs. Embroidered box making is her true passion because it combines her love of embroidery with 3D construction.
Closed Registration
Mushroom Advanced Box Making with Emma Broughton is an advanced box making course to create a beautiful hexagon shaped box complete with small pull-out drawer with gold colored handle, hidden interior compartments finished with a wonderful, embroidered lid with mushrooms and a Butterfly. Registration: January 3 - February 7, 2024. Class schedule: April 3, 2024 - May 22, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 63: Trevelyon’s Needlebook with Kathy Andrews
Taught by Kathy Andrews (view bio)Kathy Andrews is a textile artist and embroidery teacher who works with students of all abilities, teaching them the techniques and the joy of hand embroidery. She received her Certificate of Technical Hand Embroidery with Merit from the Royal School of Needlework and her City and Guilds Certificate in Design and Stitched Textiles. Her work has been exhibited at several shows and galleries across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Kathy is a member of the Cedar Valley Chapter of the EGA and the EGA Fiber Forum. With her enthusiasm for stitch and encouraging classroom atmosphere, she is a sought-after teacher of embroidery. Kathy has taught for EGA chapters in the United States, a mini-class at EGA National and globally in her many online courses.
Online Course, Closed Registration
Sweet flowers and fresh, green leafy vines stitched on creamy ivory linen combine in this delightful needlebook. Its design is inspired by the Trevelyon Miscellany of 1608—a book that’s more than 400 years old—compiled at the end of the Renaissance. Together we will embroider this design using satin stitch, stem stitch, long and short shading, leaf stitch, and trellis work. Registration: February 7—March 6, 2024. Class schedule: May 1, 2024–May 29, 2024
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Online Studio Class 64: A Thread for All Seasons with Susan Hoekstra
Taught by Susan Hoekstra (view bio)Susan Hoekstra is a Senior Master Teacher, receiving her certification from the ANG. She has been teaching in Europe and the United States for 23 years and taught classes and studio time in Brussels, BE, London, UK and Utrecht, NL from 1996 to 2001. She is the designer of the 2016 ANG SOTM, “Pineapple Leaves.” ANG national seminars include “Teaching Needlework 101” and “Stacked Rectangles” at the ANG 2020 Virtual Seminar, “Waiting For The Chickens” in Washington, D.C., “Maple Leaves” and “American Folk Sampler” in New Orleans, “Hark, The Herald Angel” and “A Thread for All Seasons in Myrtle Beach, “A Berlin Work Cardinal” in Chicago, “Ben’s Kites” in Philadelphia, and “Dove in The Window” in San Antonio; as well as presenting color theory talks and needlework classes at the regional level in Irvington, VA, Chatham, NJ, Hyde park, NY, Devon, PA, Pottstown, PA, Camden, ME, and College Station, PA; in addition to other locations. Her strong belief in color theory greatly influences her way of teaching and she encourages her students to be creative in the stitching process. Her designs focus on “quilt geometrics,” animals and primitives.
Online Course, Closed Registration
A Thread for All Seasons offers a chance to work with the design color of your choice. There are three color canvases from which to choose! Go for colors you would never stitch; broaden your color horizon! After you have picked out your painted canvas, look at the choices of threads. Go with what you think ‘matches;’ or go for color you think does not ‘match.’ It is in your hands! Use your imagination. After this exercise, you will better understand how colors work together and how colors work off each other. This exercise will be a real eye opener. Registration: March 6 - April 3, 2024 Class schedule: July 3 - September 11, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 66: Mandala Hoop Embroidery with J. Marsha Michler
Taught by J. Marsha Michler (view bio)J. Marsha Michler is a nonfiction author of 13 printed books, and 8 self-published eBooks on the topics of crazy quilting, embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, wire jewelry, and knitting. Her quilts have won awards at quilting shows, and her work has been featured in national magazines and other publications including our Needle Arts magazine. Holding a degree in Business Marketing, and three-quarters of a degree in fine arts, summa cum laude and dean’s list, she has taught classes on crazy quilting, embroidery, and wire jewelry. She actively pursues crazy quilting, embroidery, fiber spinning, knitting, fiction and poetry writing, ballroom dancing, stone wall building, and resides with her husband and dog in the beautiful and inspiring foothills of Southern Maine.
Online Course, Closed Registration
Use many different embroidery stitches to create a mandala-style design within a 6" (15.24cm) circle. Begin the design at the center and allow it to grow by adding on. Observe the design emerge as you add to it! This design class demonstrates a form of freestyle embroidery. Other mandala-type designs will be presented within the class, showing how an endless variety of designs is possible. Registration: May 1 - June 5, 2024. Class schedule: August 7 - 21, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 67: Lacy Pin Cushion with Kim Beamish
Taught by Kim Beamish (view bio)Kim Beamish has been embroidering for over 25 years. Kim is a certified teacher through the Embroiderers’ Association of Canada (EAC/ACB). She is a counsellor for EAC/ ACB. She holds a Mastercraftsman in Counted Thread from the Embroider’s Guild of America (EGA). Kim has taught classes and workshops for EAC/AC and EGA. Her passion and curiosity for embroidery has led to her exploring many media and needlework techniques. Kim designs two and three dimensional pieces that combine techniques. Her pieces have been exhibited internationally and have received many awards. Kim’s designs have been published in books such as Cross Stitch Christmas and Whitework Inspirations. Many projects have been featured in magazines world wide such as A Needle Pulling Thread, Just CrossStitch , Stitch and Inspirations magazines.
Closed Registration
Lacy Pin Cushion is a Pulled Thread embroidery piece. This pin cushion measures approximately 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch in height when finished. It is stitched on 28 count linen. There is no kit for this project giving students the opportunity to pick a color of their choice. This would be a good stash buster. The thread used for the fillings must match the fabric color choice. Registration: June 5 - July 3, 2024. Class schedule: September 4 - October 30, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 68: Moroccan Lanterns with Dr. Valentina Grub
Taught by Dr. Valentina Grub (view bio)After spending her early years as an expatriate, Valentina Grub graduated from Wellesley College (BA hons Medieval & Renaissance Studies, Classical Civilization), then continued to the University of St. Andrews (MPhil, PhD Medieval Art History). She also works as a freelance embroiderer and textile historian and has written two epistolary novels set in 1820s Europe. She currently lives in Saratoga Springs, NY. For more information, go to https://valentinasgrub.com/
Online Course, Closed Registration
Brighten your own embroidery collection with this course, in which you will stitch seven unique lanterns in blackwork. While the stitches used are relatively simple, backstitch or Holbein stitch, the challenge is in arranging the lanterns, and consistently stitching them with intricate, geometric patterns. Registration: July 3, 2024 - August 7, 2024. Class Schedule: October 2-16, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 69: Espalier Bracelet with Laura Smith
Taught by Laura Smith (view bio)Laura Smith is an embroidery innovator, nationally known designer, and teacher. She holds the Master Craftsman in Color from the Embroiderers Guild of America (EGA) and has won their National Gold Thread Award for service in 2021. She has served as chair for the Master Craftsman in Color Program from 2006 – 2018, Chairman of Fiber Forum (2011 – 2015), seven terms as president of her chapter, and has held every chapter office. She is a former Executive Director of an arts center and holds an MBA as well as an undergraduate degree in chemistry — valuable for understanding paint and mixed media materials.
Online Course, Closed Registration
Espalier is the ancient horticultural practice of training a tree or shrub to grow flat against a wall or frame to produce more blooms and fruit. In this project, you’ll create a bracelet that emulates an espaliered tree. Learn to work with Painter’s Threads overdyed cord and loop trim to provide a structure like tree branches. It supports beads and sequins in their role as the fruit. Two kinds of water-soluble fabric and water-soluble tape hold the structure in place so that it can be hooped. Embellish the bracelet with your own beads. Registration dates: Registration: August 7-September 30, 2024. Class schedule: November 6-13, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 70: Marvelous Macarons with Sarah de Rousset-Hall
Taught by Sarah de Rousset-Hall (view bio)Sarah de Rousset-Hall is a professional embroidery artist and teacher based in West Sussex in the United Kingdom.
Sarah graduated from the Royal School of Needlework’s Future Tutor Programme in 2020, where over 3 years studying at Hampton Court Palace she learned a wide variety of embroidery techniques including Goldwork, Blackwork, Whitework, Crewelwork, Silk Shading, Canvaswork, Applique, Stumpwork and Box Making. She also spent time in the RSN’s commercial studio learning conservation and restoration techniques.
Since graduating, Sarah has taught regularly for the Royal School of Needlework and elsewhere, both in person and online as well as working in the RSN Studio and taking on private commissions and art pieces. She also volunteers with the Broderers of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
In February 2022 Sarah exhibited three art pieces at The Worshipful Company of Broderers Exhibition: The Art of Embroidery at the Bankside Gallery in London. Her Blackwork portrait of David Bowie, worked during her training is also currently on display at the exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the RSN at the Fashion and Textile Museum in London.
Closed Registration
Create silk-covered macarons that look good enough to eat. Inspired by her niece’s obsession with these sweet treats, the designer's stumpwork techniques help create perfect patisserie that make lovely decorations. During class, you will use felt padding, running stitch, lacing, needle lace and ladder stitch to construct the macarons. You will also create a silk filling and an optional cord so you can hang up your treats as described. If you joined the Parisian Patisserie box-making course in 2022, this full kit of six macarons will nestle perfectly inside. Registration dates: Registration: September 4 - October 2, 2024. Class schedule: December 4-11, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 71: Pink Goldwork Butterfly with Connie Chow
Taught by Connie Chow (view bio)Connie took her first class in goldwork embroidery in 2019 at the SF School of Needlework and Design. Finding herself drawn to the shine and shimmer of the materials and the joy that embroidery brought her as a pastime, she decided to take more classes and started training in tambour beading. Soon she had learned enough techniques to experiment with beads and sequins and started creating designs of her own. A small collection of her first designs came in the form of greeting cards, of which the butterflies design has been adapted to regular needlepoint in an online class with EGA for 2023. Her hope is to train further in tambour beading and to continue to create new art pieces to inspire, open up and to bring to new people who are yet to discover the joy of embroidery.
Online Course, Closed Registration
This butterfly, ready to use as a brooch or hair adornment, is stitched with traditional goldwork techniques-but with a modern twist. Techniques covered include couching pearl purl and gilt twist, chipwork, application of crystals, and cutting and finishing the piece. Registration: October 2 - November 6, 2024. Class schedule: January 8 - February 26, 2025.
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Online Studio Class 72: Hummingbird in Silk and Gold with Lizzy Pye – Encore
Taught by Lizzy Pye (view bio)Lizzy Pye is an embroidery tutor first and foremost, classically trained on the Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship. In 2009 she was lucky enough to be one of the final six graduate Apprentices, finishing with a Distinction and very sore fingertips! She is proud to be a Royal School of Needlework tutor, and also teaches a lot of her own classes and private students. She is passionate about passing on her skills through teaching, and preserving both skills and heirlooms for future generations to enjoy. She has worked on some fascinating projects over the years, including the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding gown and embroidery designs for the Royal Opera House. She was commissioned to write the Royal School of Needlework’s Essential Stitch Guide: Whitework, published in 2012, and in 2020 Crowood Press published her second book: Goldwork Embroidery, Techniques and Projects. Lizzy also runs an online shop through which she sells the embroidery products with which she loves to work, alongside her own range of embroidery kits.
Open Registration
Learn how to handle traditional silks known as flat or filament silks, which are untwisted. Stitch silk shading (long and short stitch), satin stitch and stem stitch to create splashes of color amongst the gold. Learn to create smooth felt padding and embellish with traditional goldwork techniques of couching and colored couching, pearl purl, invisibly stitched twist and chipping. Registration: November 6 - December 4, 2024.
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Online Studio Class 73: Whitework Windows with Terri Bay
Taught by Terri Bay (view bio)Terri Bay, a teacher and designer from South Carolina, began teaching Ukrainian Whitework at Nordic Needle’s retreat. One class lead to another and now she has taught Ukrainian Whitework, Hardanger, Pulled and Drawn Thread and Blackwork at the EGA National Seminars, ANG Seminars, NAN, Regional Seminars, chapter workshops, and various retreats and other fun events. She was honored to be featured as the Designer Across America in the June 2018 issue of Needle Arts Magazine and will have a design in Needle Pointers in the fall of 2021. Terri is a member of EGA, EAC, ANG, and NETA. www.terribayneedleworkdesigns.com
Online Course, Coming soon
Whitework Windows is a Ukrainian Whitework design measuring 8 inches square. It is densely packed with stitches typical to Ukrainian Whitework such as spot eyelets, double cable, satin stitches, eyelet chains, hemstitch, long arm cross, faggot stitch, and needleweaving. The Windows are worked on 28 count linen with two sizes of pearl cotton. It is an advanced intermediate level. Registration: December 4, 2024 - January 8, 2025. Class schedule: March 5 - April 30, 2025.
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Stitch a dragon, designed by the instructor and inspired by the Luttrell Psalter manuscript and other medieval sources, using the Bayeux stitch couching technique. The project will use materials authentic to the period, such as wool ground fabric and fibers sourced from artisanal Yorkshire farms. All fibers have been hand-dyed with plant-based colors by the instructor, replicating period-appropriate dyes and materials such as woad, madder, cochineal, and more. Students will have the choice of color schemes for their dragons. Registration: January 1 - February 5, 2025. Class Schedule: April 2 - 30, 2025.
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Online Studio Class 75: Ode to the Honeybee with Celeste Chalasani
Taught by Celeste Chalasani (view bio)Celeste Chalasani is an award-winning designer and teacher specializing in Stumpwork. She has taught extensively both in person and virtually for the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) at chapter workshops, regional and national seminars; the National Academy of Needlearts; other regional guilds; Quiltfest and Craftsy. She is a graduate of the National Academy of Needlearts Teachers’ Certification program specializing in Stumpwork.
“Teaching Stumpwork is a labor of love for me. I am passionate about sharing what I know. I approach teaching from the understanding that different people learn in different ways. I strive to provide clear written instructions with step-by-step color photos, orally explain the technique with color coded visual aids, demonstrate stitches and techniques, and work one on one with each student as they practice their techniques.”
Online Course, Coming soon
Where would we be without the honeybee? Succulent strawberries, juicy blackberries, and sweet blueberries are just three of our favorite fruits that rely on pollinators such as the honeybee. In turn, the honeybee needs a balanced diet and depends on us to plant a variety of flowers. Create your own “Ode” as you employ contemporary stumpwork techniques, including three types of padding, wired slips, and needlelace. Registration: February 5 - March 5, 2025. Class schedule: May 7, 2025 - August 20, 2025.
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Online Studio Class: Hummingbird in Silk and Gold with Lizzy Pye
Taught by Lizzy Pye (view bio)Lizzy Pye is an embroidery tutor first and foremost, classically trained on the Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship. In 2009 she was lucky enough to be one of the final six graduate Apprentices, finishing with a Distinction and very sore fingertips! She is proud to be a Royal School of Needlework tutor, and also teaches a lot of her own classes and private students. She is passionate about passing on her skills through teaching, and preserving both skills and heirlooms for future generations to enjoy. She has worked on some fascinating projects over the years, including the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding gown and embroidery designs for the Royal Opera House. She was commissioned to write the Royal School of Needlework’s Essential Stitch Guide: Whitework, published in 2012, and in 2020 Crowood Press published her second book: Goldwork Embroidery, Techniques and Projects. Lizzy also runs an online shop through which she sells the embroidery products with which she loves to work, alongside her own range of embroidery kits.
Closed Registration
Learn how to handle traditional silks known as flat or filament silks, which are untwisted. Stitch silk shading (long and short stitch), satin stitch and stem stitch to create splashes of color amongst the gold. Learn to create smooth felt padding and embellish with traditional goldwork techniques of couching and colored couching, pearl purl, invisibly stitched twist and chipping. Registration: October 4 - November 1, 2023. Class schedule: April 3 - May 22, 2024.
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Papillon is an introductory course on filet embroidery. In this 5-lesson course participants will learn briefly about the history of filet work.
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Perfectly Counted Crosses with Carolyn Standing Webb
Taught by Carolyn Standing Webb (view bio)Carolyn Standing Webb has a degree in education but finds needlework much more rewarding to teach. She grew up in a home where art was a part of everyday life and creativity was encouraged. An EGA member of our Wasatch, Salt Lake City Chapter, she has been a needlework designer and teacher for over twenty years, teaching on the local, regional and national levels. She has a line of patterns available in retail stores. Several pieces of her work have been published in books and magazines and she has won a number of prizes for her needlework. She has her Master Craftsman in Counted Thread. Her goal is to share with her students her love of needlework and to help them relax and enjoy it.
GCC, Counted Thread, Skill Level: Beginner
In Perfectly Counted Crosses you will learn how to create a sampler that will dazzle those who see it with perfectly executed crossed stitches.
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Pulled Stitches Clover with Marion Scoular – Encore
Taught by Marion Scoular (view bio)Marion Scoular is a 3-year, Mark Excellent graduate of The Royal School of Needlework and a City and Guild’s Silver medallist. She has taught dressmaking in English High Schools, owned The Robin Hood Wool Shop for 13 years; taught Adult Education for Clemson University and has judged, lectured and taught in 49 states, Canada, Mexico and Australia. She is the author of many booklets and articles on Embroidery techniques
GCC, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate
The leaves and blooms of the charming clover design contain twelve pulled fillings in a variety of patterns. There are both linear and diaper patterns in which the emphasis is placed on tension. Tension, of course, creates a significant change in the texture of the fabric. In pulled stitches, the effect is achieved by what the stitches do, not the appearance of the stitches themselves.
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Rainbows Bend: A Course on Color Theory with Carole Rinard
Taught by Carole Rinard (view bio)Carole Rinard has studied color since she was in high school and has incorporated color theory in the clothing and textile classes she taught at the university level. She is an EGA Master Needlework Judge and a Color Master Craftsman. She has been active in all levels of EGA and has served on the national board. Since 1989, she has volunteered at the Santa Fe Opera costume shop where she has heard numerous designers and directors discuss color in costumes, sets, and lighting. She lives in Los Alamos, New Mexico with her husband.
ICC, Color Theory
From color wheels to how to use color in your own work, our Individual Correspondence Course, Rainbows Bend: A Course on Color Theory is a comprehensive study of color.
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Reticello Needle Book with Jonalene Gutwein
Taught by Jonalene Gutwein (view bio)Jonalene is EGA certified in Counted Thread. She is a member of our Indian River Chapter in Florida and has been teaching various forms of needlework since 1982 at EGA chapters, and events at the regional and national level. She has over sixty needlework publications under the name of Friends in Needlework and three retired EGA Group Correspondence Courses.
GCC, Lace, Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
This Group Correspondence Course is the next step for the experienced drawn thread enthusiasts who wish to begin learning the technique of reticello. It incorporates the pulled 4-sided stitch, the cutting of threads in both directions, satin stitched edges, and needle weaving.
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In Shimmering Dreams, ever-larger sparkling squares rotate around a shiny central medallion to finish in a star silhouette.
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Silk and Metal Thread Embroidery with Kay Stanis
Taught by Kay Stanis (view bio)Kay Stanis is an internationally known fiber artist, designer, Master Craftsman, and Certified and Graduate Certified Teacher of EGA and Kurenai Kai Traditional Japanese Embroidery. She has been on the faculties of American Needlepoint Guild national seminars, Callaway School of Needlearts, Embroiderers Association of Canada, EGA national and regional seminars, Koala Conventions, South Australia Embroidery Conference, Embroidery 2000 (New Zealand), and many independent groups.
ICC, Silk and Metal
Our Individual Correspondence Course Silk and Metal Thread Embroidery is an in-depth study of the various techniques of silk and metal thread embroidery.
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Snowflake Ball with Denise Harrington Pratt
Taught by Denise Harrington Pratt (view bio)Denise Harrington Pratt is an artist and needlework designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a passion for counted thread embroidery on linen. Denise has been teaching needlework since 1995. She has taught at Spirit of Cross Stitch Festivals, National and Regional Seminars for the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc., and EGA chapters. She also has developed Group Correspondence Courses and Online Courses for EGA. Denise is an active member of the Southern Maine Chapter of EGA.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, Skill Level: All Levels
The Snowflake Ball is a three-dimensional, beaded needlework ball. You don’t have to understand geometry to stitch this fun piece. Available to individual members as a GCC Lightning Round through February 28, 2025. Register here!
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Star-Spangled Puzzle Ball with Denise Harrington Pratt
Taught by Denise Harrington Pratt (view bio)Denise Harrington Pratt is an artist and needlework designer with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a passion for counted thread embroidery on linen. Denise has been teaching needlework since 1995. She has taught at Spirit of Cross Stitch Festivals, National and Regional Seminars for the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc., and EGA chapters. She also has developed Group Correspondence Courses and Online Courses for EGA. Denise is an active member of the Southern Maine Chapter of EGA.
GCC, Counted Thread, Skill Level: Intermediate
Star-Spangled Puzzle Ball offers the opportunity to discover the joy of taking counted thread embroidery into three dimensions by creating a “puzzle ball.”
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Sweet Bag Sewed of Silver and Gold with Melinda Sherbring
Taught by Melinda Sherbring (view bio)Melinda Sherbring came to embroidery through her fascination with historical crafts. An aerospace software engineer until retiring in 2013, she now teaches needlework with designs rooted in history. She has written two EGA GCCs, taught EGA’s 2020 Extended Study Program, and was featured in the March 2018 Needle Arts magazine as Designer Across America.
GCC, Surface Embroidery, Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Stitch an embroidered bag like the ones that were in style in England from the mid-1500s to the mid-1600s on Sweet Bag Sewed of Silver and Gold.
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Symphony with Barbara Kershaw
Taught by Barbara M. Kershaw (view bio)Barbara M. Kershaw has a passion for learning and sharing her knowledge of the many varied and wonderful forms of embroidery generally called whitework. She has taken many courses and classes from the EAC, EGA, and ANG. Barbara is certified as an EGA Master Craftsman in counted thread. She also studied in Germany at the Museum de Schwalm in 2005 and 2011. She has been teaching for over 20 years at various EAC national seminars, EGA national and regional seminars, guilds in Canada, America and Bermuda as well as two International teaching tours of the USA. Barbara is the author of EGA Group Correspondence Courses – Noel and Individual Correspondence Course Basic Study of Schwalm Embroidery. Her book Exquisite Schwalm focuses on Schwalm filling stitches.
GCC, Skill Level: Intermediate
Work on a beautiful, pulled thread set comprising of an embroidery pouch and smalls that will be a wonderful addition to your sewing basket. Available to individual members as a GCC Lightning Round through August 31, 2024. Register here!
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Taming the Stash Monster with Laura Smith
Taught by Laura Smith (view bio)Laura Smith is an embroidery innovator, nationally known designer, and teacher. She holds the Master Craftsman in Color from the Embroiderers Guild of America (EGA) and has won their National Gold Thread Award for service in 2021. She has served as chair for the Master Craftsman in Color Program from 2006 – 2018, Chairman of Fiber Forum (2011 – 2015), seven terms as president of her chapter, and has held every chapter office. She is a former Executive Director of an arts center and holds an MBA as well as an undergraduate degree in chemistry — valuable for understanding paint and mixed media materials.
GCC, Organization, Skill Level: All Levels
Get your stash under control with our course Taming the Stash Monster: Clearing your stash, purchasing strategies, archival storage, inventory and more.
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Techniques for Canvas Embroidery with Diane Herrmann
Taught by Diane Herrmann (view bio)Diane Herrmann won EGA’s Gold Thread Award in 2015 and has taught within EGA, ANG and the Windy City Chapter of EGA both regionally and nationally. She has affiliations with EGA, ANG, NAN and NETA. Diane has several publications and presentations over the years to include “Diaper Pattern and Needlepoint” in Crafting by Concepts. Accomplishments and awards have been granted to include the Jean Thomas Howard Scholarship as a teacher in 2009 as well as NAN Exemplary in 2009, 2012 and 2015, among several other recognitions. Diane teaches one of EGA’s latest Individual Correspondence Courses: Techniques for Canvas Embroidery.
ICC, Canvas
Our Techniques for Canvas Embroidery Individual Correspondence Course is an in-depth study of the various techniques used in canvas embroidery.
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Thank Goodness It’s Finished with Kim Sanders
Taught by Kim Sanders (view bio)Kim Sanders is an EGA certified teacher in crewel and surface embroidery and a Master Craftsman in surface embroidery and in smocking. She holds a degree in Textiles and Clothing from the University of Tennessee. Kim has taught at shops, chapters, EGA national and regional seminars and has authored four GCC, an ICC, and several Petite Projects. Her articles and designs have appeared in Inspirations, Needle Arts, Australian Smocking and Embroidery and The Smocking Arts. She filmed four embroidery focused segments of the PBS program, Creative Living with Sheryl Borden.
GCC, Finishing, Skill Level: All Levels
Thank Goodness It’s Finished teaches a variety of skills needed to assemble embroideries into their final form.
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The Art of Teaching Embroidery with Kay Stanis
Taught by Kay Stanis (view bio)Kay Stanis is an internationally known fiber artist, designer, Master Craftsman, and Certified and Graduate Certified Teacher of EGA and Kurenai Kai Traditional Japanese Embroidery. She has been on the faculties of American Needlepoint Guild national seminars, Callaway School of Needlearts, Embroiderers Association of Canada, EGA national and regional seminars, Koala Conventions, South Australia Embroidery Conference, Embroidery 2000 (New Zealand), and many independent groups.
ICC, Teaching
Are you interested in becoming a better teacher? Do you have questions about developing classes, text, kits, or visual aids? Or do you have questions about the practical aspects of teaching, finances, contracts, time management or proposals? Then our Individual Correspondence Course The Art of Teaching Embroidery is for you.
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The Princess and the Pea with Marion Scoular – Encore
Taught by Marion Scoular (view bio)Marion Scoular is a 3-year, Mark Excellent graduate of The Royal School of Needlework and a City and Guild’s Silver medallist. She has taught dressmaking in English High Schools, owned The Robin Hood Wool Shop for 13 years; taught Adult Education for Clemson University and has judged, lectured and taught in 49 states, Canada, Mexico and Australia. She is the author of many booklets and articles on Embroidery techniques
GCC, Counted Thread, GCC Encore, Skill Level: Intermediate
Teacher Marion Scoular's interpretation of the beloved fairy tale includes pattern darning, Blackwork, Hardanger (no cutting!) and a small amount of surface stitchery, all explicitly covered in a 26-page, well-illustrated booklet.
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The Sampler Family Tree with Carolyn Standing Webb
Taught by Carolyn Standing Webb (view bio)Carolyn Standing Webb has a degree in education but finds needlework much more rewarding to teach. She grew up in a home where art was a part of everyday life and creativity was encouraged. An EGA member of our Wasatch, Salt Lake City Chapter, she has been a needlework designer and teacher for over twenty years, teaching on the local, regional and national levels. She has a line of patterns available in retail stores. Several pieces of her work have been published in books and magazines and she has won a number of prizes for her needlework. She has her Master Craftsman in Counted Thread. Her goal is to share with her students her love of needlework and to help them relax and enjoy it.
ICC
Samplers are one of the most recognizable of the forms of historical embroidery. This Individual Correspondence Course with teacher Carolyn Standing Webb will help you to explore the history that is the family tree of samplers with all of the different branches.
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Trio with Carol Currier
Taught by Carol Peao Currier (view bio)Carol Currier is certified by the National Academy of Needlearts (NAN) as a surface embroidery teacher. She served on the national board of The Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) for eight years including as national President from 2007-2009. Carol is currently the EGA Chair of the Master Craftsman program in crewel embroidery. She was honored in the September 2018 Needle Arts as Designer Across America. Carol holds memberships in EGA, NAN, American Needlepoint Guild (ANG), and National Association of Needlework Teachers (NETA). She is a partner in a needlework shop in Pinehurst, North Carolina.
GCC, Crewel, Skill Level: Intermediate, Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
Trio is a crewel exercise incorporating a variety of choices in a design. The student is encouraged to “mix and match” elements to create their own pattern. Floral and foliage samples are given so that they may be moved about like dressing paper dolls. This allows the stitcher to pick and choose for an individual design. Stitching instructions for each motif are included. Available to individual members as a GCC Lightning Round through February 28, 2025. Register here!
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Virtual Education Course: Queen Catherine’s Book Cover, Bag, and Pyn Pillow with Carolyn Standing Webb
Taught by Carolyn Standing Webb (view bio)Carolyn Standing Webb has a degree in education but finds needlework much more rewarding to teach. She grew up in a home where art was a part of everyday life and creativity was encouraged. An EGA member of our Wasatch, Salt Lake City Chapter, she has been a needlework designer and teacher for over twenty years, teaching on the local, regional and national levels. She has a line of patterns available in retail stores. Several pieces of her work have been published in books and magazines and she has won a number of prizes for her needlework. She has her Master Craftsman in Counted Thread. Her goal is to share with her students her love of needlework and to help them relax and enjoy it.
Virtual Education Course
The project set comprises a tasseled, silk-lined bag with different historical designs on each side; a ribbon-tied, book-shaped box that fits inside the bag; and a pin cushion known as a pyn pillow. The pieces are stitched on one side with the traditional black that gives blackwork its name, accented with gold and silver threads and paillettes. Registration Opens: February 1, 2025 Class Dates: June 5-7, 2025 Enter your name and email here to let us know you're interested.
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Virtual Lecture 47: Pushing Boundaries: Embroidery + Book Arts with Celeste Chalasani
Taught by Celeste Chalasani (view bio)Celeste Chalasani is an award-winning designer and teacher specializing in Stumpwork. She has taught extensively both in person and virtually for the Embroiderers’ Guild of America (EGA) at chapter workshops, regional and national seminars; the National Academy of Needlearts; other regional guilds; Quiltfest and Craftsy. She is a graduate of the National Academy of Needlearts Teachers’ Certification program specializing in Stumpwork.
“Teaching Stumpwork is a labor of love for me. I am passionate about sharing what I know. I approach teaching from the understanding that different people learn in different ways. I strive to provide clear written instructions with step-by-step color photos, orally explain the technique with color coded visual aids, demonstrate stitches and techniques, and work one on one with each student as they practice their techniques.”
Virtual Lectures
In this lecture, Celeste describes her journey as she explored combining embroidery with book art techniques for the National Academy of Needle Arts Teacher Cum Laude program. She’ll show you six different book binding methods she learned and how she has been able to use embroidery in her art practice. You’ll also see the tools and materials needed, as well as what worked and what didn’t. Live Lecture Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024 1PM Eastern Live Lecture Registration: November 18 - December 13, 2024 1PM Eastern
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The Red Dress project, conceived by British artist Kirstie Macleod, provides an artistic platform for individuals (majority women) around the world, many of whom are vulnerable and live in poverty, to tell their story through embroidery. Live Lecture Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025 1PM Eastern Live Lecture Registration: December 16, 2024 - January 24, 2025 1PM Eastern